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Slim aluminium frames, large glass spans, low maintenance — premium look in a conservatory or orangery.
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any conservatories starts on aluminium Conservatory.
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Cheap "aluminium" with no thermal break
Some low-end aluminium systems skip the polyamide thermal break and ice up on the inside in winter. Always insist on polyamide thermal break.
Powder-coat fade
South-facing elevations fade after 15–20 years. Specify marine-grade qualicoat for coastal locations.
Galvanic corrosion
Steel fixings into aluminium cause electrolytic corrosion. Use stainless or aluminium fixings.
Higher solar gain
Slimmer aluminium frames mean more glass area = more solar gain. Solar-control glass essential on south/west.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and a typical week-by-week schedule.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Small aluminium (3m × 3m)Victorian or Edwardian
£15k–£25k
Medium aluminium (3.5m × 4m)Premium glazing
£20k–£35k
Large aluminium (4m × 5m)Bi-fold doors
£28k–£50k
Bespoke architectural designOrigin, Schueco systems
£40k–£100k
Bi-fold doors aluminiumStandard upgrade
£3.5k–£10k
Brick base + slabCombined
£2.5k–£7k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
Timeline
Mid-size conservatory · week by week
Typical
5 phases · 5 wk
5 phases · 5 wk
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
Foundations + dwarf wall
Frame + glazing
Roof + ridge
Electrics + flooring
Snags + handover
!
Schedule slips on dependencies — pad each phase by 10–20% for real-world delays.
At a glance
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Conservatories explained
Aluminium conservatories use thermally-broken aluminium frames instead of uPVC — slimmer sightlines, longer life, better security and more colour choice. Expect to pay £18,000–£55,000 fitted in the UK depending on size, brand and configuration. Aluminium typically costs 50–80% more than uPVC equivalent.
What Does the Work Involve?
Base build is identical to uPVC — foundations, brick dwarf wall, slab. The frame is fundamentally different: aluminium extrusions with a polyamide thermal break separating inside and outside. The metal is much stiffer than uPVC so frames can be 40–60% slimmer for the same structural strength. Powder-coated to any RAL colour. Glazing units fit into the same beaded systems.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small aluminium (3m × 3m) | 15,000 | 25,000 | Victorian or Edwardian |
| Medium aluminium (3.5m × 4m) | 20,000 | 35,000 | Premium glazing |
| Large aluminium (4m × 5m) | 28,000 | 50,000 | Bi-fold doors |
| Bespoke architectural design | 40,000 | 100,000+ | Origin, Schueco systems |
| Bi-fold doors aluminium | 3,500 | 10,000 | Standard upgrade |
| Brick base + slab | 2,500 | 7,000 | Combined |
| Tiled warm roof | 5,500 | 15,000 | Year-round spec |
How Long Does It Take?
4–6 weeks total. Aluminium frame extrusions have 6–10 week lead times so order early.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Aluminium is heavier than uPVC (40–60 kg per frame member) so requires more careful handling. FENSA or Certass registered installer.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Specialist aluminium conservatory installer — not all uPVC fitters handle aluminium well. Brand to ask about: Origin, Schueco, Smart Systems, Reynaers, SunFlex. Confirm thermal break (polyamide), powder-coat warranty (10+ years), and full thermal compliance documentation.
UK Regulations
Same as other conservatories. Under 30 m² + external doors = Building Regs exempt. Above, full compliance. Permitted development for size.
Common Problems
- Cheap "aluminium" with no thermal break: Some low-end aluminium systems skip the polyamide thermal break and ice up on the inside in winter. Always insist on polyamide thermal break.
- Powder-coat fade: South-facing elevations fade after 15–20 years. Specify marine-grade qualicoat for coastal locations.
- Galvanic corrosion: Steel fixings into aluminium cause electrolytic corrosion. Use stainless or aluminium fixings.
- Higher solar gain: Slimmer aluminium frames mean more glass area = more solar gain. Solar-control glass essential on south/west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminium or uPVC — which is better?
Aluminium for: slimmer sightlines, longer life (40+ vs 25 years), any RAL colour, bigger panes, stiffer frames. uPVC for: lower cost (50–80% less), wider installer choice, faster lead times. Most premium builds spec aluminium.
Are aluminium conservatories warm enough?
Yes — with polyamide thermal break and modern double-glazed argon-filled glass, the whole-window U-value beats most uPVC equivalents.
Will aluminium add more value than uPVC?
Yes — surveyors value aluminium conservatories 15–25% higher than uPVC equivalents due to longer life expectancy and premium aesthetic.
How long do aluminium conservatories last?
40–50 years for the frames. Powder-coat may need refresh at 20–25 years on south-facing elevations.
Can I get any colour?
Yes — full RAL palette and increasing Farrow & Ball matches. Dual colour (different inside vs outside) is no-cost on most ranges.
Do aluminium frames need painting?
No — powder coat is factory-applied and rated 20+ years. No site painting required.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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